R is for Building Routines

Building routines helps your toddler know what will happen given signals, and what is expected of them.

Having routines for daily activities makes a toddler secure and calm.

Making routines is a good way to teach your child about everyday life. When they see something done over and over, they understand what is going to happen next, or what is expected of them. For example, if you have a routine of going to the bathroom, brushing teeth, and sitting in their room with a book before bed, they are more likely to understand that it’s time to sleep. If routines are not used, it can be difficult to get toddlers to sleep successfully and on their own. Once learned, toddlers often become attached to their routine, and will use the healthy habits being taught, like washing their hands before a meal or brushing their teeth before bed. When we start to create these habits at a young age, they can be forever.

This and other exclusive tips from the Ohio Chapter, American Academy of Pediatrics are shared via Bloomz, the app connecting parents and educators everywhere. Want to get them on your phone? Invite your child’s teacher, coach or care provider to sign up for a free Bloomz account.